About 12 players – more than half the senior squad – have no guarantees beyond May 30. Those hoping to avoid the clear-out include Joel Chianese, Alessandro Del Piero, Ranko Despotovic, Milos Dimitrijevic, Richard Garcia, Matt Jurman, Mitchell Mallia, Terry McFlynn, Ivan Necevski, Sasa Ognenovski, Blake Powell and Marc Warren.

Many have speculated the reason for the delay in new contracts is because of the prospect of a new coach replacing Frank Farina but Sydney chief executive Tony Pignata said Farina had been involved in contract discussions.

The club have baulked at Del Piero’s initial $4 million asking price for a third season in Sydney, and look unlikely to renew the contract of one of the club's most-loved players, and their sole remaining foundation member, Terry McFlynn.

The 32-year old former captain has started three games this season. While he dearly wants to play on, it appears his Sky Blues career may be wound down.

“We’ll sit down shortly with Terry because he’s somebody who’s been here since day one and has been integral to the club’s fabric,” Pignata said. “He played well against Melbourne Victory [in a 5-0 win] but did his thigh – he’s back in training now but can’t break into the squad at the moment. Frank will speak with him.”

Fellow over-30s Ognenovski, Garcia, Despotovic, Dimitrijevic and back-up goalkeeper Necevski, appear to have a stronger hand, with the club thought to be close on deals with Despotovic and Dimitrijevic. Sydney would also like to keep Ognenovski, who has impressed with his staunch performances at centre-half.

“Sasa only came in midway through the season but has fitted right in,” Pignata said. “We’ll see what can happen, but even though he’s 34, he was a late bloomer and doesn’t have the wear-and-tear of most players his age.”

Pignata said he did not think Melbourne-born Ognenovski, who still has World Cup ambitions, would head overseas again.

Powell and Warren appear the most unlikely to be offered contract extensions as both have failed to lock a regular squad place this season.

“We’d like to have some flexibility when the European leagues end,” Pignata said. “If there are opportunities to sign some good players, we’ll need some spots available.”

Chianese and Jurman will divide debate – both have proven themselves capable at A-League level, with Jurman looking solid in recent weeks as both a left-back and centre-half, performances that should be enough to seal his future.

Chianese made a huge impression in his first season in 2011-12, scoring six goals in nine games, before battling injuries and form in the past two seasons, adding one goal last season and three this season.

The real unknown is Mallia, who turns 22 on Saturday. After struggling in the senior team, he has dominated the youth league this season, scoring 13 goals after shifting from winger to striker.

“Mitch has had a great year, winning the Golden Boot in the youth league, and he’s another one who’s there or thereabouts,” Pignata said. “We’ll make a decision later on him.”

The club will ask several of Steve Corica’s all-conquering youth squad not to join National Premier League clubs, instead requesting they stay in Sydney FC’s system.

“Chris Naumoff, Themba Muata-Marlow, Aaron Calver, Max Burgess, Dylan Caton and goalkeeper Anthony Bouzanis are already training with the first team,” Pignata said. “We want them to stay training with us through pre-season with the view to a couple of them potentially getting full-time contracts.”